An odd clutch failing and a question of teammwork

Well, that was some night, wasn’t it?

Would have been way better personally if I hadn’t fallen asleep on the couch but …

Anyway …

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When they do the excavation of the franchise known as the Celtics eons from now – and I don’t imagine I’ll be around to cover it – I wonder what they’ll find when they look for last night’s game?

The bones of a team done in by a sorry execution when it mattered the most? Probably.

I would imagine that, since the team was formed in 2007, the Celtics have run an end-of-game play with Paul Pierce in a high screen-and-roll about a jillion times.

I could not believe my eyes when I saw them botch it so horribly in the single biggest possession of the season for Boston.

It looked like neither Garnett nor Allen really had a clue what they were supposed to do and it was rather shocking.

It was also the one play that cost them the season, I’d say.

They’re done.

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And that would mean the Miami Heat – the franchise everyone loves to hate – will be within four games of playing for a title and they way they’re going, I don’t imagine there’ll be many of us who pick either the Bulls or Hawks to beat them.

How do we feel about that?

Me? I’m not a big fan at all; it’s not that I hope they fall flat on their faces – not much in the sports world evokes that kind of passion in me – but the manner in which they orchestrated this whole thing kind of rankles and has all year.

Look, we all knew they were sublimely talented and would probably contend for a handful of titles but I do think the overwhelming feeling is that they somehow cheated the game by the manner in which they came together.

It’s going to be an odd finals, I think, if Miami’s in it. For once, the team with the best players will be openly rooted against coast-to-coast. It’ll provide some interesting story lines, especially here, but I just think it’ll be … odd.

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Only a really cold soul would suggest that Russell Westbrook’s a taller, better version of T.J. Ford, wouldn’t he?

No, it’s not that bad but the kid is still very much seemingly unaware that Kevin Durant is the leading scorer in the league and the best player on his team and a guy who, you know, should get some shots.

The interaction between point guard and best player should be better, in my opinion and it doesn’t seem that way in Oklahoma City.

According a bunch of courtside people, at one point last night, Durant looked over at Mo Cheeks and said:

“Why the bleep didn’t he get me the ball?”

If that’s the thing that derails the Thunder, it’s a shame.

But, having wrested home court back from the Grizzlies, and still with the best player in the series in Durant, I don’t imagine there’s any de-railing coming.

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Oh, I need to correct a wee error in a story yesterday.

Phil Jackson’s got 11 titles, not 10 like I said.

Oops.

I’m not letting go of that Red Auerbach fixation too easily, am I?

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All right, we can agree that last night’s Thunder-Grizzlies game was a classic, right?

But those of you of a certain age may realize it wasn’t the best triple-overtime game of our lives.

Anyone recall Phoenix-Boston in Game 5 in 1976 (yeah, I had to look up the specific game)?

That was the best triple-overtime game ever.

Last-second shots, fans pouring onto the court in triumph only to be shooed off when the refs decided there was a second left in the game.

Suns, down one, take a timeout they don’t have to give the Celtics a technical foul shot but it also gives Phoenix the ball back.

Down two, Suns get a basket at the end of the second overtime from Gar Heard (who I used to love with the Buffalo Braves) but fall in the third.

Now, that’s got Thunder-Grizzles beat six ways to Sunday.

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Please, someone tell me again how starting pitching was going to be strength if the TOD?

Yeesh.

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Speaking of long games:

Q: Just watched the Grizzlies Thunder overtime game and i was wondering what was the longest playoff game in NBA History?

Mario A, Toronto

A: That would have been a four-overtime thriller between the Syracuse Nationals and Boston Celtics back in 1953. Even I wasn’t alive to remember that one.

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Yes, the barbecue arrived, the kindly gentleman from Home Comfort got it assembled and hooked up (I’m afraid of crap from Ikea, no way I was going near anything with gas that could explode) and the first burger-and-sausage meal was a hit.

Now, since we like lists and there’s precious little basketball to chat about and you seem to enjoy a break from sports, here are the Top Five Things You Should Make With A New Toy:

Bone-in ribeye

Seared, grilled medium rare, eaten in the fading sunlight with a cold glass at the ready.

Catfish

Blackened, grilled quickly.

Cedar-plank salmon

A tad rich sometimes but still a classic.

A fresh burger

Perhaps chop up a nice hot pepper and mix it in with some garlic and other spices; store-bought’s okay but …

A nice veal chop

I know, baby cows and all that and I understand the reticence of some but, man, they taste good.

Anything else?

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I have no idea what my week’s like and when we’ll do games or when there will be games so let’s start the call for mail now since we made need it to get through a morning.

Click. Write. Send.

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I’m sure you’ll notice as you read closely through this release on the all-defensive teams the dearth of HOTH.

Imagine that.

Not sure what the other voting coaches were thinking about but …

Oh, wait. I know exactly what they were thinking about.

I guess the only quibble I’d have is that Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose got more votes than Luol Deng, which I believe to be an oversight.

Other than that? I can live with the selections.

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Don't forget, we've got the night off tonight from an IGBT; we'll be back tomorrow to finish off the Celtics.

 

 

 

Comments

[Mich G.]

How about adding a nice thick greek inspired pork chop. Olive oil, lime juice, oregano, salt and pepper in a ziploc bag and left to marinade in the fridge for the afternoon.

Delish!!!!

[Matthieu]

Nice post Doug, thank you. I had a look at the highlights of the OKC-MEM game and was shocked by the fact that Westbrook took so many shots.

Re PHO-BOS it was game 5 (and not 65 ;)), one of the greatest moments in NBA playoffs history: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UF1ggq0vd4

[Jeff]

Doug, you made the following comment...

Me? I’m not a big fan at all; it’s not that I hope they fall flat on their faces – not much in the sports world evokes that kind of passion in me – but the manner in which they orchestrated this whole thing kind of rankles and has all year.

I wondered whether you had the same opinion when the Celtics went and got Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen a few years ago. Was it the fact that the players "orchestrated" this? Seems unfair to blame the players and give the GMs in question Executive of the Year.

Blogger's note: Don't see that as being unfair at all; GM Ainge turned assets into a great team with willing trading partners, players colluded

[skiff]

The funny thing is, there is a good possibility of a Mavs/Heat rematch in the finals. That would be kinda fun....especially if the Mavs could keep it together this time and stick a knife in the Mo-Heat-o's!!

And as much as I hate them, it looks to me like the Heat coupld be poised for a long run of Finals appearances (barring injuries, etc.) The reality is, they have 2 amazing players, and they'll always be able to fill out the roster with guys who will want to play on a contending team in South Beach. It depresses me to think about it....

[Grits]

So Ainge as GM orchestrates getting 3 all-stars together in Boston, and it is all OK, but 3 all-star players exercise their contractual rights and all sign with Miami and no one likes it? The only part I don't like, along with everyone else, was "the Decision" thing. But the whole all deciding to go to the same team thing, I'm ok with it. We have a Canadian on Miami hustling his buns off and getting major minutes, and what Raptor fan can like Boston after all the posturing and BS from Garnett and Pierce the last few years. Go Heat!

[AT]

I also sort of stayed up with one eye open for the triple OT game and I could not believe what a BALL HOG Westbrook is...mind you, he was hitting his shots and the grizzlies could not defend him..but I could Westbrook pulling a Tracy McGrady at some point saying that he wants his own team..

gotta give the grizzlies a lot of credit... not as much talent as other playoff teams but their effors is up there with every other remaining team...

[Eddy]

If Miami wins the championship this year and given Stern's refusal to investigate the collusion that was actually admitted to, the NBA will be on the same level as the World Wrestling Federation, in terms of being a real sport.

[Felix]

Yeah, the 4th quarter and over time periods were at time a bit cringe-worthy with the lack of offensive sets on the side of the Thunder. Granted they are still young, but the way Westbrook hogs the ball affects everyone on the court. Once Durant and Harden get the ball, they want to rush what they're doing because they know they may never get the ball back again. It would explain a lot of Durant's deep deep threes (one he makes, the other at the buzzer of 2OT was just awful considering they had 9 seconds to shoot).

Just a question about that game, in one of of the OTs (1OT maybe?), mayo had his shot blocked by harden and they both jumped to grab the ball but appeared to hit mayo last as harden landed out of bounds. mayo jumped again whilst falling out of bounds and threw it off harden's head. now i'm not debating that mayo threw the ball off harden's head before he landed, but from every replay i saw, mayo started off that last jump with his right foot on the sideline. However, this point was never brought up by the commentators as all they concentrated on was the blatant throw off the face. Did I see something different?

Blogger's note: Didn't see it but if he started his jump with his right foot on the sidelines, he's out of bounds as soon as he touches the ball

[Lorie]

Hi Doug!
These late night triple overtime games just don't coexist well with 6AM wakeups, do they? I swear it was soooo much easier back in '76! And thanks for the mention of THAT truly epic OT thriller and @Matthieu for the link. (Isn't Youtube the greatest thing for stuff like that? You can absolutely lose yourself for hours in those archives!) Now, I imagine you'll get lots of tips for cooking beef, poultry, seafood entrees on your new Napoleaon, (And, did you pick up chic new accessories, too? I saw this great man-apron that I thought would be perfect for you; it said "By The Time You Read This Apron You Could Have Gotten Me A Beer". Or do you have that one already???) so I thought I'd bring the dessert. Grilled fruit kabobs (bananas, peaches, strawberries and nectarines work especially well) served up with a generous drizzle of warm chocolate sauce are a yummy way to finish dinner on the deck. With a mug of Irish Coffee. And someone to clean up! Cheers!

[Lee Z]

Damn! I knew I should have stayed up to watch the Griz Thunder game. Based on what I've seen with Westbrook to date and what apparently happened last night, do you think Oklahoma City might wanna trade Westbrook (if his ball hogging persists) for an equally-stud-like but more team-oriented p.g.? And yes, the Gar Heard heroics are permanently etched in my memory banks. I had first row, centre greys "season's tickets" (all 10 games worth) to see the Braves. If memory serves, they were $10 a pop and even that was extremely rich for my blood. My favourite Brave back then was Ernie D., because I fancied myself a point guard of his ilk (ah, the arrogance of youth...) but looking back, I think my fave was the sadly departed Randy Smith. How bout you, Doug? MacAdoo, Jimmy Mac, Swen Nater? (I keed about that last one)

Blogger's note: Ernie (No) D and I had some time for Matt Goukas, who's become a friend through his work with the Magic

[Lee Z]

I was about to shoot my mouth off and tell you that you're wrong about Guokas ever playing for the Braves, but then I looked it up and son of a gun, you're right! Must be a senior moment on my part, but I don't remember him playing for the Braves. Speaking of the Braves, how about using the bully pulpit afforded you by your blog and twisting the arms of the tall foreheads to get them to have the Raps wear Braves throw-back jerseys for one game. They could promote the hell out of the game in Buffalo and bring back Ernie D et al for the game, and maybe do it when Miami is in town so that Bob McAdoo would be there. Whaddayasay, Doug?

Blogger's note: Sure, why not. Maybe for a game against the Clippers and they can both wear Braves

[The J]

Yeah, I fell asleep somewhere between the first and second overtime. The weird part was waking up a few hours later, TV still on TSN, and hearing the sound of Allen Iverson repeadetly complaining about "Practice". It was the top 10 NBA Soundbites on Sportscentre, but it was still off-putting.

I would add Ribs to that list of BBQ options, but admit not everyone has mastered the art of "Fall of the Bone". To be honest I haven't yet, but it doesn't stop me from trying.

[Jacques]

Doug, just thinking...give me 5 players that are in the game now who you would like to see coaching the game in the next couple of years. Ray Allen comes to mind for me.

Blogger's note: I need some time to think on that

[Lee Z]

@The J: the secret is to apply your rub to the ribs, broil each side briefly and then slow-cook the ribs (on the "bake" setting) covered with foil at about 250 for a few hours and then transfer to the bbq and apply your sauce. And for the love of God, please don't anyone suggest you boil them first. That is just wrong on so many levels.

[Lorie]

Doug!!!
Hold on a minute there! You weren't around in '53??? You sure about that? Thought you said you were old? Cause if you're old and you weren't around in '53, then that makes me....ahhh never mind. Crap.

[Christoher Marchant]

Morning Doug,

Nothing better than a prime rib roast, rubbed with pepper and a bunch of garlic cloves pressed into the meat and fat, slow cooked to medium rare using the back burner. The fat is caremalized and not a drop of juice is lost if the meat is taken off and allowed to stand for ten to fifteen minutes under a foil tee pee to keep the heat in.

Yummy!

Christopher

[Rob.V]

Yup, that window sure has closed on the Celtics hasn't it.
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Garnett, Allen, Piece, Rondo (Shaq?) = only 1 championship. Theres something really dissapointing about that, no?
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The injury to Garnett a couple of seasons ago really set back that franchise. Had KG not gotten injured they could have very well repeated the following season... but those are the breaks, I guess. KG looked great this season (back to his old self)... but he's old.. and so are the other key players on that team.
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It also didn't help that Ainge made so many changes (so late in the season). I'm not just talking Perkins, they lost a few bench players on that team and I dont think you can underestimate camradarie of a legit contending team.
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The C's lost some of their "buddies". Baby, was just that.. nothing big about him this off season. There was no piggy back ride for a Nate Robinson, they were a collection of good players... but no longer a great "team"... it makes a difference.
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But I will say this: Do not sleep on the Bulls. I know Miami is the "sexy" pick at the moment because of the big 2 however Thibs will have them ready. The games might be 65-64, but I'd personally take boozer (when he's right) and Noah over Bosh and Anthony... and it wont be a walk in the park trying to contain Rose either.
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I guess we'll see.

[Rob.V]

So my last post has me pndering this.
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If this is indeed the end of the Lakers, Celtics, and Spurs (Shaq-Duncan-Kobe) era (sure looks that way) who's career, or better yet, who would be your pick if you could re-draft them in the same year. Dude?.
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My picks?
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1. Shaq
2. Kobe
3. Duncan
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To extend this list I might have Duncan (3) and KG (3a).. or vice versa.

Blogger's note: Let me think on that

[Phil A]

I don't understand why Westbrook is always looking for his own shots. I hate when players put themselves ahead of the team and this is exactly what Westbrook is doing. If anything, his value is going down because of his performances.

I have been very impressed with Mike Conley's ability to run his team. I don't think he is receiving enough credit. He's very smooth at running the Grizzlies offence.

[Michel G]

It was a strange night of basketball. I wish the Heat to lose, but secretly still cheer for Bosh. On the other hand, I can't stand the Celtics, but I'm cheering for them to beat the Heat. I just want this series to be over so I can cheer properly, for somebody, anybody.

[The J]

@Lee Z - That's actually why I never mastered it, because I have always refused to boil them. Imagine someone dropping a beautiful sirloin in a pot of water. I'd probably Bynum them right out of my kitchen.

I'll try your suggestion. I had been baking for about an hour with an inch of water and a sliced lemon. That worked pretty well, but never quite reached "fall of the bone".

[Matthieu]

@Lorie: you're welcome ;)

The whole series on NBA greatest playoffs moments (starting with a tie at #60: Celtics-Sixers, Eastern Conference Final in 1982 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZnHwWct1Hw ; Miller against the Bulls in 1998 http://youtu.be/WccAM7ALzWc and Starks's dunk over the Bulls: http://youtu.be/QPDHpkccnZU one of my favourite dunks ever) is actually on youtube and there's some great stuff.

Really worth watching but also reading the description of each video

Not sure I'd have put MJ's shot as #1. Or perhaps just for the symbol?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTBibfxNntk

[Eric]

I'm not so caught up anymore on how Miami came together, but it is the way that they play that I dislike. It's not team basketball in the halfcourt..it is 1 on 5 either LeBron or Wade have the ball at the 3 point line, while Bosh comes to set a screen on the ball. Every other player stands idle (why cut or set screens, right?). Then LeBron or Wade either drives or shoots. So fine, they will probably go to the finals, but I would love to see them run into the Mavericks. To me, the Mavericks are a well-oiled machine; they move the ball efficiently and play with a ton of spirit (not to mention their spread out talent). I was glad that the Lakers lost, I found that they too had the ball stuck in one players hands for far to long, as every other player stands around watching.

On to the Celtics...I think trading Perkins was their downfall. It didn't really make that much sense, as J.O. and Shaq are both not nearly as good anymore as Perkins can be for them. I understand that they needed help on the perimeter, but I would have never of made that move, disrupting their chemistry (starting center for 2 good backups). I mean, wait until the end of the season and do a sign-and-trade, if need be. They lost their biggest advantage over Miami, and now they are paying for it.

[Lee Z]

@Matthieu: I too think Starks' dunk (referred to then and forever more in New York simply as The Dunk, i.e. if you ask a Knick fan of a certain age about The Dunk without giving any context, they'll instantly know what you mean) is one of the alltime greats, but the best part about it was seeing it live (which I did, albeit on tv), with no leadup or expectations. I practically did a spit take. And Winning Time, the 30-30 ESPN doc on Reggie vs Starks, is absolutely essential viewing.

[doug]

this is significant news on the Raptors front and MLSE as a whole...TD Bank has agreed to sell their stake to the Teachers Pension fund...so they now have or will have 80%, which may be a sign of a impending sale....and this quote sums up not only my frustration, but all fans as well writers etc...."Last year a number of people whispered interesting numbers in our ear," he said. "And so we put a process in place. We'll see if those whispers turn into reality. If they don't, it's business as usual - it's a great asset." ...a great asset!! give me a break, tell that to the Raptors fans who just want a playoff team or Leafs fans who have been waiting since 67...teams are not a asset or a corporate entitity, give me the Mark Cuban's of the world anyday...he makes money as well as having a winner, it's not a either or proposition...let's hope this leads to a sale, and yes it will be another corporate entity in all likelihood but maybe they will get it....